Direct from China, the legendary Shaolin Warriors have arrived in New Zealand, thrilling audiences with their spectacular punching, kicking and tumbling routines in a spectacular, dynamic new production.

Over the last 16 years, the Shaolin Warriors have become a worldwide sensation, playing to sell-out audiences and standing ovations wherever they have performed - from North America to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Shaolin Warriors is more than a Kung-fu show; it’s a traditional strength through adversity story. Featuring 22 Kung Fu Masters, this breathtaking, fully choreographed show vividly illustrates the agility and miraculous physical endurance these warriors achieve through rigorous martial arts training and focused Buddhist meditation. The show follows the journey of a young child’s initiation into the monastery, to achieving fully-fledged warrior status through diligent training and study.

Shaolin Warriors has had audiences around the world gasping in disbelief at their awe-inspiring demonstrations of hypnotic and death-defying feats. From balancing on sharp metal spears to smashing marble slabs with their heads, from the troupe’s incredible synchronization to their proficiency with 18 dangerous traditional weapons, the Shaolin Warriors will amaze audiences beyond the boundaries of their own belief.

The Shaolin performers train in martial arts for several hours every day, perfecting the art of hand-to-hand and weapons combat. Each performer is required to achieve an extraordinarily high level of proficiency in each of the traditional weapons, and to become a master of one. However, it is the daily practice of seated meditation which enables the individual performer to sustain a demanding physical regimen. Through a practice known as Ch’an (Chinese for Zen), they calm the body and focus the mind to a state of complete mental absorption, enabling them to sustain extreme physical discomfort and pain which in turn enables them to undergo the intense daily training required to achieve and maintain the level of adeptness for which they are so highly praised.

The Shaolin Warriors last performed in Auckland and Wellington in May 2005. This tour is presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Andrew Kay and Associates, in association with China National Arts Fund.

Supported by stunning scenery, atmospheric music, spectacular lighting and costumes, Shaolin Warriors is the ultimate display of theatre and deadly physical prowess, and a “must-see” for adults and children alike.

"Agility, grace and showmanship.” - The Washington Post

“Rip-roaring entertainment with a dab of spiritual enlightenment." - The West Australian